Scotland has no plans to ban cats, the leader of the devolved government insisted Monday, following recommendations from animal welfare experts that prompted further discussion.
The Scottish Animal Welfare Commission (SAWC) suggested ministers consider introducing containment zones in certain “vulnerable areas” to protect wildlife.
Such measures could include requirements for cats to be kept indoors or restrictions on their presence in “new housing developments in rural areas” near conservation-sensitive zones, according to the commission’s report.
However, Scottish First Minister John Swinney reassured the public Monday that no such restrictions or bans were being considered.
“A report has been submitted by an external organisation for government review,” Swinney said. “Let me be clear—there will be no ban or restrictions on cats. The government has no intention of doing so.”
The report highlighted concerns that all cats can significantly impact wildlife populations through predation and competition, particularly affecting vulnerable wildcat populations.
It noted that some countries already enforce seasonal or year-round containment of cats to protect wildlife, suggesting this could be an option to mitigate the impact of domestic cats.
The commission recommended that the Scottish government instruct its agency, NatureScot, to conduct further research into the feasibility of containment zones.
